Monday, March 15, 2010

Hannah Alexander, age 42Children include William H. Alexander, 24(widow)

Born Wyoming, Hannah (Hibbard) Alexander was Matthias Hollenback's stepdaughter and the widow of John Alexander of Carlisle. Her parents were Cyprian Hibbard and Sarah Burritt. At two weeks old, she fled with her mother to Connecticut on horseback, in the wake of the Battle of Wyoming where her father was slain. They later returned and her mother married Hollenback.

William H. Alexander had studied civil engineering. He joined the U. S. Navy, was stationed at Pensacola, Florida, serving on the U.S. Constitution as a mid-shipman. At the request of his mother, he left he left the navy and returned to Wilkes-Barre.

Sampson Almond , age 27(coppersmith, iron & tinware manufacturer)

Born Yorkshire England, Sampson Almond, son of William Almond of Newport Township, came to Wilkes-Barre in 1828 where he manufactured iron ware, tinware and sheet iron stoves.

Born in Germany, Henry Christian Anheuser kept a store in Hanover Township before moving to Wilkes-Barre where in February 1823 he opened a store on Market Street in partnership with Camp Gildersleeve.

John P. Babb and his family moved from Pittston to Wilkes-Barre in the later 1820's.

A soldier of the War of 1812, early in 1819 Babb married Mary Shriner, daughter of John Shriner of Northumberland and purchased a grist mill in Pittston which for many years after was known as the Babb mill. Babb served as treasurer of Luzerne County in 1825.

In Wilkes-Barre Babb was a skilled carpenter who in May 1829 advertised he "will give employment and liberal wages to 6 or 7 good Journeyman Carpenters, if application be made soon".

In the 1830's Babb was a partner in the firm of Babb and Packer, constructed the Columbia Railroad bridge, across the Schuylkill, near Philadelphia, and the dam for the Lynchburg, Virginia, water works. For several years he was an "energetic, useful and efficient" contractor on the James River and Kanawha Canal. His family remained in Wilkes-Barre.

John P. Babb died at Lynchburg, Virgina, in September 1840 of a "congestive fever".

Christopher Baker , mid 20'sEster Wilson(book binder)

From Princeton, New Jersey, Christopher H. Baker came to Wilkes-Barre where in February 1828 he married Ester Wilson, daughter of Elnathan Wilson and sister to Mary Taylor, wife of Edmund Taylor the saddler. He kept a book bindery.

A resident of Wilkes-Barre twenty-five years, Job Barton was a carpenter and Revolutionary War veteran. Barton's wife was Hannah Wright, daughter of early Wilkes-Barre school teachers William Wright and Sarah Ann Osborne. Hannah Barton taught school in their home located on the north side of Union Street, east of Main Street.

A Wilkes-Barre resident for twenty-two years, Andrew Beaumont came to Wilkes-Barre in 1808 to attended school at the Wilkes-Barre Academy and became an assistant teacher in 1810. His wife one of Arnold Colt's daughters.

Beaumont was a former Collector of Revenue, Prothonotary and Clerk of the Courts and was one of the organizers and first vestrymen of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and a founder of the Luzerne Bible Society.

In 1821 Beaumont was elected a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and again in 1822. In 1826 he was appointed Post Master of Wilkes-Barre, to succeed Jacob Cist, who had died.

Ziba Bennett , age 30Hannah Slocum, wife, 28(merchant)

A resident of Wilkes-Barre fifteen years, Ziba Bennett came to Wilkes-Barre from Newton (later Elmira) New York to clerk at Matthias Hollenback's store on Main Street and later at the corner of Bank and Market Streets.In November 1824 Bennett married Hannah F. Slocum, a daughter of Joseph Slocum and Sarah Fell and granddaughter of Jesse Fell.

In 1826 Bennett purchased the stock of Stephen Tuttle on Main Street and started in own business in general merchandise which included "A Few Barrels of No. 1 & 2 Mackerel. Also a Quantity of Cedar Ware", " Pork. 70 Barrels First Rate Mess and Prime Pork. Just received from the State of New York, together with a quantity of Lake Salt and Plaister", and " A quantity of Tar, by the Barrel or less quantity".

A twenty year resident of Wilkes-Barre, Samuel Bettle kept an engraver and silversmith shop on the west side of Franklin Street, near Market. He also made and sold watches. Bettle came to Wilkes-Barre from Philadelphia when his father John Bettle was appointed cashier of the new Philadelphia Branch Bank.

In 1824 Bettle joined with Isaac A. Chapman to publish a map of Luzerne County.

The Bettle's lived on Bank Street in the home formerly occupied by his father-in-law Peleg Tracy.

A member of St. Stephen's, Bettle died November 11, 1833. The remaining family subsequently moved to Bloomsburg where they owned and operated a grist mill.

A Wilkes-Barre resident for thirty-five years Isaac Bowman, a tanner and currier by trade, was the Recorder of Deeds and Register of Wills of Luzerne County. Always active in the community, Bowman was a former Borough Councilman, County Coroner , Sheriff, Tax Collector and ranked Brigadier General of the local militia since 1821. Bowman and his family lived on the west side of Public Square where he had located his leather and currying shop in 1811.

In 1825 Bowman ran for sheriff but lost to Naphthali Hurlbut.

Bowman was appointed by Governor Wolf Recorder of Deeds and Register of Wills of Luzerne county, for a term of three years, February 17th, 1830 and was re-appointed for a second term January 21st, 1833.

Bowman's eldest son James attended West Point Military Academy where he graduated in 1832.

Born Wilkes-Barre, James Watson Bowman was the son of Ebenezer Bowman and Esther Watson. His wife was Harriet Drake daughter of Benjamin Drake and Susan Wright, granddaughter of William Wright and sister of Rev. George C. Drake.

In August 1820 James W. Bowman was admitted to practice as an Attorney in the Luzerne Courts.

James W. Bowman died February 1832, age 32.

William L. Bowman, age 32(tanner)

Born Wilkes-Barre, William L. Bowman, son of the late Samuel and Eleanor Ledlie Bowman, operated the tannery on the Bowman property at the north west corner of Main and North Streets, the one which his cousin Isaac Bowman had established over thirty years earlier.

In 1823 Bowman had a short-lived partnership with Joshua Green in ownership of a "Boot and Shoe Manufactory, North side of Public Square".

William Bowman's tannery was in competition with Isaac Bowman's as they both advertised in March 1827 "Look Here. 9 to 11 cts. Per lb. Paid for Calf Skins at the Tannery of William L. Bowman. Wanted at the same place 200 Cords of Bark, for which the highest price will be given. William Norton for William. L. Bowman" and "Notice. The Subscriber will give as much for Hides and Calf Skins as any other Tanner, at his Currying Shop on the west side of the Public Square in Wilkesbarre. Isaac Bowman".

Born Newburyport, Essex, Massachusetts, Ebenezer Little Boyd, Jr., son of Ebenezer L. Boyd, Sr., a physician at Newburyport, came to Pittston about 1826 and married Thankful Marcy, daughter of Ebenezer Marcy, also a physician. Prior to moving to Pittston, Boyd had practiced medicine in Massachusetts and New York.

In May 1827 Dr. E. L. Boyd moved to Wilkes-Barre "with a view to a permanent residence, and taken the west part of the House at Wilkesbarre Bridge" and " offers his services to the public in the practice of Physic and Surgery".

Born New York, Anthony Post Brower, a tailor, moved his family to Wilkes-Barre, PA about 1818.

In October 1828 Brower announced that his clothing store was moved " to the building east of Mrs. Cist’s Store, Bank Street. His Taylor Shop is connected with the same building".

He had recently advertized "Six Cents Reward. Ran away from the subscriber on Tuesday, June 24th, an indentured apprentice to the Tailoring business, named David Laphey. Is near 20 years of age, about 5 feet 11 inches high, and proportionally large".

Born Wilkes-Barre, Chester Pierce Butler was the son of Gen. Lord Butler and Mary Pierce and brother to Pierce, John and Lord. His wife was Sarah Hollenback the widow of Jacob Cist and daughter of Matthias Hollenback.

Butler was educated the Wilkes-Barre Academy and graduated from Princeton College in 1817. He studied law at Litchfield Law School and was admitted to practice as an Attorney in the Courts of Luzerne in August 1820.

Born Wilkes-Barre John Lord Butler was the son of Gen. Lord Butler and grandson of Zebulon Butler. His older brother was Pierce and his younger brothers were Chester and Lord. His sister Ruth was the wife of John N. Conyngham, Esq. and sister Sylvina the wife of Garrick Mallery, Esq.

Butler was a coal operator.

Lord Butler, age 26(civil engineer)

Born Wilkes-Barre, Lord Butler was the youngest son of Gen. Lord Butler and Mary Pierce. He was employed as an engineer on the North Branch canal.

Phebe Haight Butler, age 72(widow)

A resident of Wilkes-Barre thirty-nine years, Phebe Butler was the widow and third wife of Col. Zebulon Butler. She lived with son Steuben and wife Julia Bulkeley.

Phebe Haight Butler died in Wilkes-Barre at the residence of her son, Steuben Butler, Esq., January 19, 1837.

Steuben Butler was the youngest son of Capt. Zebulon Butler and half brother to Gen. Lord Butler and Zebulon Butler, Jr. He and wife Julia Bulkeley resided at the Butler home at Bank and Northampton streets with his mother Phebe Haight Butler.

In May 1809 Butler, in partnership with Sidney Tracy, became the publisher of the Luzerne Federalist. Charles Miner, the previous publisher, wrote "The talents, integrity and applications of the young gentlemen who succeed me are a pledge to the public that the paper will be improved under their superintendence".

Sidney Tracy retired in September 1810 and in December 1810 a prospectus was published for a newspaper to be called The Gleaner and Luzerne Advertiser, published by Charles Miner and Steuben Butler.

From 1813-1815 Butler published The Literary Visitor,

In 1818, soon after "The Gleaner" had ceased to be published Steuben Butler established "The Wyoming Herald".

In May 1819 Butler was elected to the Borough Council.

In partnership with Elijah Worthington, The Wyoming Herald was enlarged in September 1828 and published by Butler & Worthington. This partnership continued until 1831 when Worthington withdrew and was replaced by Asher Miner.

Born Connecticut, Rebecca Jennison Chapman was the daughter of Samuel Jennison and Rebecca Douglas and widow of surveyor Isaac A. Chapman who died in December 1827 at died at Mauch Chunk where he had been for some time employed by the Lehigh Company as an engineer.

In April 1829 Rebecca Chapman opened a school in her home on Bank Street and advertised "Wyoming Seminary - The Young Ladies’ School, Under the instruction of Mrs. Chapman & Miss Trott, will commence its Spring Quarter on April 13th." Miss Trott was her sister-in-law Lydia Chapman, widow of Dr. George W. Trott.

Born in Munich, Bavaria, Charles Francis Joseph Christel moved to Salem Township about 1798 and practiced medicine in Huntington and neighboring townships until about 1813 when he moved to Hanover Township near Buttonwood .

In 1810 Christel married Elizabeth Stookey, daughter of Benjamin and Martha (Irwin) Stookey of Salem Township.

From 1822 until 1825 Christel kept an inn in Hanover then moved to Wilkes-Barre where he owned and ran what was long known as the Wyoming Hotel which stood on the west side of Main Street between Northampton Street and Public Square until his death in 1838 at age 61.

A resident of Wilkes-Barre thirteen years, Collins studied law under Garrick Mallery, Esq. and was admitted to the bar of Luzerne County in April 1819.

In May 1823 Collins informed his "former patrons and the public that he has removed his office to the first door on Franklin Street, next below the store of Ziba Davenport & Co." and in July married Nancy Jewett, daughter of Patience Jewitt and cousin of Jonathan Bulkeley.

In November 1829 Collins was elected one of the thirteen Directors of the new Wyoming Bank, along with William Ross, George Hollenback, John N. Conyngham, Ziba Bennett, Steuban Butler, Abraham Thomas, Miller Horton and John D. Stark.

From May 1826 to May 1827 and from May 1828 to May 1829 Colt was president of the town council of Wilkes-Barre.

Colt was a member of the first board of managers of the Easton and Wilkes-Barre turnpike and continued in the board for about fifteen years.

Lucinda Colt died December 1830, age 61, "after a protracted illness".

Arnold Colt died September 1832 after a short illness, aged 72 years. "On Sunday last, in pursuance of his request he was buried agreeably to the usages of the Masonic fraternity, and followed to his long home by the largest concourse of people ever witnessed in the place on such and occasion."

Born Poughkeepsie, New York, John Conner, son of Hugh Conner, an early Wilkes-Barre carpenter, and Margaret Strong, came to Wilkes-Barre with his parents as a boy. His father in 1788 built the benches for the first courthouse.

Conner's first wife Patti died in May 1819. He remarried to Rusilla Madison of Abington in April 1823.

A resident of Wilkes-Barre ten years, Born in Philadelphia, John Nesbitt Conyngham came to Wilkes-Barre in 1820 and was admitted to the bar of Luzerne County April 1820. Connyngham had graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with high honors and studied law with James R. Ingersoll.

In December 1823 Connyngham married Ruth Ann Butler daughter of Gen. Lord Butler and Mary Pierce and sister to John Lord Butler, Chester Butler, Lord Butler and Sylvina, wife of Garrick Mallery, Esq.

Conyngham was elected burgess of the borough of Wilkes-Barre in 1827 and 1828.

Born Wilkes-Barre, born Sarah Ross, was the daughter of Gen. William Ross and widow of Dr. Edward Covell who died in December 1826. Her home was on the east side of Main street between Northampton street and Centre Square.

William Cox, age 42Nancy Hodgkiss, wife, 40Children include Sterling, 3(painter)

Born Pennsylvania, William Cox was a house painter. His wife was Nancy Hotchkiss, daughter of Abigail Hotchkiss (Hodgkiss) and sister of painter George Hotchkiss.

Thomas Davidge, age 47Sarah, wife, 48(Shoemaker, storekeeper)

A Wilkes-Barre resident about eleven years, Thomas Davidge, a boot and shoemaker, kept a store on the west side of Main Street just south of Public Square.

Born in Kingston, George Denison was the son of Nathan Denison and Elizabeth Sill. He was schooled at the Wilkes-Barre Academy then studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1813.

Denison served as clerk of the Wilkes-Barre borough council from 1811 to 1814 and as recorder of deeds and registrar of wills for Luzerne County from 1812 to 1815.

He was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1815 and 1816 and served as chairman of the United States House Committee on Expenditures in the Post Office Department in the Seventeenth Congress.

In May 1816 Denison married Caroline Bowman, daughter of Ebenezer Bowman, Esq.

In 1823 Dennison served as president of the Borough Council and in 1824 served as deputy attorney general for Luzerne County. He was burgess of Wilkes-Barre Borough in 1829 and 1830.

Denison was again elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1827 and served until his death in August 1831. His wife Caroline died July 1833.

A Wilkes-Barre resident twenty-one years, Jacob J. Dennis carried on his cabinet and chair making business until July, 1828, when he opened a house of public entertainment " at the sign of the Heart," in a large frame building which he had just erected at the north west corner of Market and Franklin Streets.

In 1819 Dennis was Tax Collector. In 1824 and later he was captain of a company in the 2d Battalion, 115th Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia.

Born Pennsylvania, in 1824 Joseph P. Dennis, a coppersmith and tin ware manufacturer, was located on the east side of Public Square "at the shop formerly occupied by Gould Phinney, one door north of O. Helme's Tavern (formerly A. Parrish's)".

In March 1826 Dennis's wife Margaret died, "aged 18 years, 8 months and 9 days. She has left an infant at the tender age of six days".

Margaret (Barnes) Dennis, age 55Children include Azuba, 16(widow)

Margaret Dennis, daughter of Stephen Barnes and sister of Gilbert Barnes, was the widow of Benjamin Dennis.

In November 1831 she "informs the public that she has established herself on Franklin Street, where she intends to take in common Sewing, such as making Vests, Pantaloons, &C. on reasonable terms. She can also accommodate two or three persons with boarding and lodging on advantageous terms".

A resident of Wilkes-Barre over thirty years, Benjamin Drake was a blacksmith. Nancy Ely, daughter of Quakers Jacob and Elizabeth Eley, was his second wife. His first wife was Susan Wright had died May 1814, age 32.

Nancy Drake kept a millinery shop on the north side of Market Street between Franklin and Bank Streets and in March 1824 "just returned from the City with a handsome assortment of Leghorn, Straw & Silk Bonnets, Parasols, Combs, &c."

In May 1824 Benjamin Drake was appointed president of the Borough Council. At the same time Drake had a short-lived partnership with George Flake and Anning Chahoon in the "Coach Making - Waggon Making and Blacksmithing" business

Drake's daughter Harriet married James W. Bowman, Esq., son of Ebenezer Bowman, in May 1821. In October 1825 his daughter Mary C. Drake married Jonathan Marcy of Pittston. In June 1829 son George C. Drake married Abigail Haines, daughter of George Haines and Elizabeth Chapman.

Born Wilkes-Barre, George C. Drake was the son of Benjamin Drake and the late Susanna Wright and grandson of William Wright.

Since about 1827, Drake, in partnership with Vernet Tracy, kept a coach maker and blacksmith shop on Franklin Street. In January 1830 Tracy & Drake "moved their Coach and Waggon making establishment and Blacksmith Shop to the new buildings on Main street, opposite Ziba Bennett's Store".

Drake was admitted to the bar of Luzerne County in 1827 and in June 1828 was appointed Deputy Attorney General for Luzerne County.

In June 1829, Drake married Abigail Haines, daughter of George Haines and Elizabeth Chapman, and niece of Isaac A. Chapman and Lydia Trott.

In 1833 Drake became a Protestant Episcopal minister and was stationed at Bloomsburg.

A Wilkes-Barre resident thirty-five years, John Francis Dupuy (Jean Francoise Dupuy) came to Wilkes-Barre in 1795 to begin a new life after fleeing St. Domingo during the slave insurrection of 1791, losing the bulk of his large estate and most of his valuables. Temporarily residing in Philadelphia, after he received some compensation through the French government after the independence of Haiti was established, Dupuy bought three tracts of land in Luzerne county, at Plymouth, Brookfield and Hemfield and lived in Nicholson for a period which he farmed.

The Depuy's home was on the north east corner of Franklin Street and Northampton Streets and their confectionary was on the north side of Public Square.

A Wilkes-Barre resident thirty years, Thomas Dyer, Jr. was admitted to the Bar of Luzerne County in 1802 and shortly thereafter gave up his school to practice law.

In 1806 Dyer was appointed a Justice of the Peace and since 1807 was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Wilkes-Barre Academy since 1807. He was also a Borough councilman and in February 1811 was appointed County Treasurer.

Dyer's home and office was on the east side of Main Street just south of Public Square. The house stood back from the street, with a garden in front and in the rear. Greatly interested in horticulture, his garden was always an attractive one. It was said that he was the first person in Wyoming Valley to cultivate the love-apple, now so universally known as the tomato. Prior to this it was grown only for the sake of its pretty colors or as being good food for pigs.

Squire Dyer was noted for his almost indecipherable hand-writing and on occasion was unable to read what he himself had some time previously written.

In 1823 Thomas Dyer was married to Elizabeth Sayers, Edinburgh, Scotland, and widow of Silas Jackson a former innkeeper originally from Newport Township who died in April 1811.

John Ewing(Court Crier)

From Hanover Township, John Ewing was, for many years, the Court Crier.Ewing also at times took care of the public buildings.

Jesse Fell, Esq., age 79(Associate Judge, County Clerk)

A resident of Wilkes-Barre twenty-five years, Jesse Fell was Associate Judge and County Clerk.

In July 1824 Fell's son , Dr. Samuel W. Fell, aged 36 years died at Belvidere, New Jersey. Jesse Fell died In August 1830:

"In the Borough of Wilkes-Barre, on Wednesday last, another of the few remaining aged citizens of this place, departed this life at the advanced period of seventy-nine years. The deceased, Jesse Fell, Esq. Had resided in this county more than forty years. He has filled several important stations as a public officer. He was elected Sheriff and soon after that term expired he was elected Associate Judge, which station he filled to the day of his death. He also served several years as Clerk to the Commissioners. In religion he professed attachments to the Society of Friends, although ministers of other denominations found his doors of hospitality opened for their entertainment and comfort. His sickness was short, and in his sudden death his family have to mourn the loss of a kind, relative who always sought to advance their happiness. Few men lived more esteemed, or died more regretted."

"The surviving members of the Court of Luzerne County, and the members of the Bar, resolved to attend the funeral, and also to wear crape on the left arm for thirty days as a further testimony of respect to the deceased. On Friday the 13th, his remains were followed to the grave by the largest concourse of citizens, perhaps, that ever assembled in this place on a similar occasion. A sermon was preached at his late residence, after which the procession formed in the following order: Members of the Lodge; Members of the Bar; County Officers; Clergy; Corpse and pall bearers; Relatives of the deceased; Citizens. His remains were interred according to the solemn and impressive form of the Masonic Institution."

Born Buckingham Township, Bucks County, Edward Fell was the son of Joseph Fell and Margaret Gourley of Doylestown and nephew to Jesse Fell. Fell, a blacksmith, was twenty-nine years old when he helped Jesse fashion a grate for burning coal in 1808. His shop was located on the north side of Northampton Street below Main Street, not far from Judge Jess Fell's home and Inn.

From Philadelphia, George Flake, Jr., came to Wilkes-Barre about 1823 and partnered with blacksmith Benjamin Drake and Anning Chahoon in the coach and wagon making and blacksmith business. In May 1825 the partnership dissolved and the Wyoming Coach, Gig and Waggon Manufactory, owned by George Flake, was moved to "Bank Street, north of Market Street & adjoining Lewis Worrel's Pottery, where all orders in his line will be attended to with neatness and despatch".

In the early 1830's Flake returned to Philadelphia where his wife Catherine, daughter of the late Frederick Stall died in December 1832.

Ann Flint, age 44(widow)

Born Anne Dudley in Windham, Windham, Connecticut, Ann Flint was the widow of Abel Flint, a painter and grave stone cutter who was the brother of Peter Yarrington's wife Naomi.

Job Gibbs, mid 50'sPolly Arnold Alkins, wife, 52(carpenter)

Job Gibbs, a carpenter, was married to Polly Arnold, the widow of Thomas Alkins. Gibbs had a reputation for being the laziest man in Wilkes-Barre.

William C. Gildersleeve, age 34Children include Ann, 7; Mary, 4(storekeeper)

Born Midway Township, Liberty County, Georgia, where his father Cyrus Gildersleeve was stationed as a pastor, William Camp Gildersleeve came Wilkes-Barre fron New Jersey and opened a store on Market Street in partnership with Henry Anheuser in February 1823.

Gildersleeve's wife Nancy Riggs had died the previous August, "aged about 40 years. She was a kind mother, an affectionate wife and an amiable member of society".

Born Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, Rev. Cyrus Gildersleeve came to Wilkes-Barre in June 1821 from Bloomfield, New Jersey, to be pastor of the Presbyterian Congregations of Wilkes-Barre and Kingston. In 1826, he gave up his relations with the church in Kingston and thereafter, until the year 1829, was pastor of just the Wilkes-Barre church. He resigned in 1829 but continued for a time to preach in the vicinity as a missionary. Like his predecessors, Rev. Gildersleeve in addition to his regular duties, preached in Hanover, Newport, Pittston and other neighboring villages.

Frances Caroline (Kennedy) Wilkinson was Gildersleeve's second wife whom he married in Midway, Liberty, Georgia, in 1808. His first wife Amerintha "Renchy Norman" Elliot died in 1807, age 37.

Gildersleeve returned to Bloomfield, New Jersey, in 1830 and died at Elizabeth, New Jersey, in January 1837.

Gorton Graves, late 20'sElvira, mid 20's(tailor)

A resident about ten years, Gorton Graves came to Wilkes-Barre with his parents about 1820. His father was Samuels Graves, born Rhode Island. He married in May 1826.

In 1829 Graves, a tailor, "commenced the business in all its various branches, in the house near Half, Rutter & Scott’s Store, on the North Side of the Public Square".

Eventually Graves and his family moved to Tunkhannock where he died in December 1845.

From Philadelphia, Joshua Green in April 1819 opened a Boot and Shoemaking shop located on the north side of Public Square and announced he "just returned from Philadelphia with an assortment of leather, shoes, boots and pumps. All boots sold at his shop are warranted to be made of the best materials - and all rips mended gratis".

Green had a short-lived partnership with tanner William Bowman which dissolved in April 1823.

Green's wife had died in March 1826 and in September he re-married to Jane McCoy, sister of the late Joseph McCoy who came to Wilkes-Barre from Philadelphia in January 1818 when he was appointed cashier of the Philadelphia Branch Bank.

When Green and his family left Wilkes-Barre in 1830 due to financial difficulties, his property on Franklin Street included "a two story frame dwelling House and Kitchen, Barn and two story shoe shop".

Mary Gorman, age 30Children include Hugh, 9(widow)

Irish born Mary Gorman was the widow of Patrick Gorman, "a very industrious resident", who died tragically in August 1826 at age 33. He "had been a few days at work on the Delaware and Hudson Canal" when he "was so badly hurt by a crowbar". "Together with several other hands attempting to turn over a large rock, and after raising it a little distance and finding it impossible, the other hands let go, and the rock falling with force on the end of the crowbar Mr. Gorman was using, caused the other end to fly up which struck him in the lower part of the abdomen and mangled him shockingly".

A resident of Wilkes-Barre about 39 years, Jonathan Hancock retired from the tavern business in late 1827 and in March 1828 had for sale "a quantity of Household and Kitchen Furniture, a Stove, a quantity of Hay, and number of other articles". In April Donley & Layng "removed to the house lately occupied by Jonathan Hancock" and "in addition to their former stock, have just opened and now offer for sale a general assortment of new goods".

Hancock's son John, Borough Constable for many years, died September 1825, "esteemed a humane and obliging man".

In March 1827 Hancock's son James married Mary Perkins, daughter of David Perkins, Esq., of Kingston. In October 1828 daughter Nancy married James D. Haff, a merchant .

In 1829 Hancock, tax collector for the county, announced: "I have the disagreeable task of collecting the County Tax, for the Township of Wilkesbarre for the present year, 1829 - and being in bad health, I hope my friends will not give me much trouble in the business."

Jonathan Hancock died July 1830, aged 62, at his residence on Washington street, near Market. At the time of his death he was a large owner of valuable real estate in Wilkes-Barre and Plains townships, and it was said he was a shrewd, wide-awake, intelligent man of business, and an influential citizen.

Mary Wright Hancock went West to Bentonsport, Iowa, with her son Frederick Hancock and died there September 1870, age 82.

Born Lancaster, William Montgomery Hart, son of Jacob Hart, had lived his entire life at the homestead near the corner of Northampton and Washington streets.

Hart was a veteran of the War of 1812 and also in the Florida and Indian wars.

Hart's wife was to Eliza Parmilla Myers, born in Sunbury.

A lover of fine trotting horses, Hart advertised in April 1828 "The Noted Horse, King William, will be kept this season at the stable of William M. Hart, Wilkesbarre. His pedigree can be seen by calling on the subscriber".

Charles Hay, age 24Mary Kreidler, wife, 25(blacksmith)

Born Pennsylvania, Charles H. Hay was likely a member of the Melchoir Hay family of Northampton County. His wife was the daughter of Daniel Kreidler of Northampton County who came to Hanover Township with his family in 1823 and set up a blacksmith shop on the Back Road on Solomon's Creek.

Henry Held, mid 30'sWife, mid 30's(newspaper publisher)

In September 1828 it was announced "A new paper was issued in this place last week, entitled The Farmer, published by Henry Held and Henry Pettebone".

A resident of Wilkes-Barre and Kingston about thirty-two years, Oliver Helme had kept a popular inn on the east side of Public Square since 1824 which, in 1829, was taken over by Archippus Parrish and called the White Swan.

In his early days Helme was a chair maker and house painter in Wilkes-Barre and in 1814 he moved to Kingston in 1814 where he kept an inn for many years.

Born Wilkes-Barre, Oliver Helme, Jr., was the son of Oliver Helme and his first wife Cynthia Beach who died in October 1806 when Oliver, Jr., was an infant. He was raised by Sally Peas, his father second wife and lived in Kingston for several years where his father kept an inn.

Nicholas Hentz, age 74Therese d'Aubree, wife, late 60's(gentleman)

Born Coblentz, Lorraine, France, Nicholas Arnould Hentz and his family sailed for the United States on the day which Louis XVI was beheaded and came to Wilkes-Barre. He had been ordered to leave France within thirty days on the restoration of the Monarchy in 1815. He had been a member of the Revolutionary National Convention of 1789 and had cast his vote for the death of Louis XVI.

Hentz's daughter Frances having married merchant Hiram Bonnet and now lived in Pittsburgh.

Son Nicholas Marcellus Hentz was now Chair of Modern Languages, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Abandoning his medical studies, he taught French and miniature painting, first at Round Hill School for Boys at Northampton, Massachusetts, where he met and married Caroline Lee Whiting, a novelist, in 1824, and in 1826 moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where he had accepted a professorship in modern languages.

Son Nicholas Richard Hentz was for many years a tobacconist on Market Street. Learning the tinner's trade in 1827 he joined with Samual Howe at his Tin and Sheet Iron Manufactory . About 1830 he moved to Towanda.

James D. HoffNancy Hancock

In October 1828 James D. Hoff was married to Nancy Hancock, daughter of Jonathan Hancock.

A Wilkes-Barre resident twenty years, Matthias Hoffman (Huffman) was a shoemaker. His wife was Margaret Billings, daughter of Cain Billings and Nellie Fisher of Pittston. The Huffmans lived at the north east corner of Main and Union Streets.

George M. Hollenback, age 39Emily Lindsley, wife, 34(merchant, bank director, former county treasurer, former representative to state legislature)

Born Wilkes-Barre, George Matson Hollenback, merchant, was the only son of the late Matthias Hollenback and had inherited much of his father's estate. Raised at the homestead and store on Main Street, Hollenback entered in business with his father at age 25 when the new home and store was built on the corner of Bank and Market Streets.

In 1820 and 1821 Hollenback was appointed County Treasurer and in 1824 and 1825 he represented Luzerne County in the State legislature.

For a short period Hollenback had a Tin and Sheet Iron Manufactory on Market Street which he sold to Samuel Howe in September 1826.

In May 1827 Hollenback was elected to town council and in November 1829 was elected one of the Directors of the Wyoming Bank.

Sarah Hollenback, age 79(widow)

Born Stratford, Connecticut, Sarah Burritt Hibbard Hollenback was the daughter of Peleg Burritt and Elizabeth Blackleach, and widow of Cyprian Hibbard who died at the Battle of Wyoming. Matthias Hollenback had died on the 18th of February 1829, aged seventy-seven years.

In addition to her son John M. Hollenback, she had daughters Mary Ann, wife of John Laning; Sarah, widow of Jacob Cist and wife of Chester Butler; Ellen, wife of Charles F. Welles and Hannah, widow of John Alexander.

Born Kingston Township, Nathan Miller Horton was the son of Lieut. John Horton a Revolutionary War soldier who escaped the massacre at Wyoming in 1778.

In December 1813 Horton married Nathan Waller's daughter Betsey at Cary Town. Betsey's sister Sally's husband Conrad Teeter was in the stage coach business and since 1810 had contracted with the government to carry the mail once a week in stages from Sunbury to Painted Post, by the way of Wilkes-Barre, Wyalusing, and Athens, taking passengers as well.

In April 1815 Horton announced "New Line of Stages, from Wilkes-Barre to Northumberland and Sunbury run by Miller Horton". "Thro' Berwick, Bloomsburgh, Danville and Northumberland, I beg leave to solicit the public patronage".

By 1820, partnering with brothers Jesse and Josiah and Thomas Eley, Miller Horton & Co. had horse coaches that carried passengers and mail from Baltimore (via Sunbury) and Philadelphia (via Easton) to Oswego, New York.

Samuel Howe (How), a tinner, came to Wilkes-Barre from Philadelphia and in June 1826 married Caroline Ogden, daughter of Enoch Ogden and Lovisa Davis.

In September 1826 Howe opened a "Tin and Sheet Iron Manufactory" on Market Street, next door to N. R. Hentz's Tobacco Manufactory, where will be kept a General Assortment of Tin Ware, Sheet-iron Ware, & Sheet-Iron Coal Stoves".

Naphtali Hurlbut, age 63Olive Smith, wife, 63(merchant)

A resident of Wyoming Valley about forty-two years, Napthali Hurlbut moved to Wilkes-Barre from Kingston about 1827 and in 1830 was on the list of Retailers of Foreign Merchandise & Liquors. Thirty years earlier he kept a public house "where entertainment may be had for Man and Horse" at the north corner of Bank and Centre (Market) Streets. Afterwards Hurlbut owned a fulling mill at Pittston before he moved to Kingston where he kept an inn until about 1825 when he was elected sheriff of Luzerne county from 1825 thru 1828.

From Hanover Township, Thomas Hutchins was a saddle and harness maker. His wife was Mary Ann Lines, daughter of Conrad Lines (Lion, Lyon).

In August 1823 Hutchins advertised his "Saddle, Bridle, Harness, Collar and Trunk Manufactory" which in 1826 was located "next door to Mrs. Drake's Milliner Shop" on the north side of Market Street between Franklin and Bank Streets. In 1830 Hutchins' "Saddle and harness Manufactory" was located on the west side of Public Square "opposite the Meeting house".

For a short period Hutchins kept a tavern (later Charles L. Terwilliger's) at the Public Square location and in April 1827 advertised "The Celebrated Horse, King William, will stand for Mares at the stable of Thomas Hutchins’ in Wilkesbarre, at the low rate of eight dollars to ensure foal, or eight Bushels of wheat if delivered before the first day of January next".

John Hutchins, late 20'sWife, late 20'sChildren include George, 6; Henry; John(bridge builder)

Born New York, John Hutchins was a bridge builder who came to Wilkes-Barre to rebuild the Wilkes-Barre Bridge when in February 1824 "Very strong winds, lasting about five minute, swept bridge from its foundations and dashed it to pieces on ice".

Hutchins met his death by drowning while pursuing his vocation on the Hudson River.

Born Montville, New London County, Connecticut, David Jewett, eldest son of David H. Jewett and Patience Bulkeley, only resided in Wilkes-Barre for short periods as he spent much of his time on duty as an Admiral with the U. S. Navy. His wife of three years, Eliza Lawrence, daughter of Hon. Augustine Lawrence of New York City, stayed with his mother and sisters in Wilkes-Barre while he was away.

Jewett, educated as a lawyer, had traveled to Spain with a relative when young. The sea voyage made him infatuated with the sea. After his return from Spain he studied navigation and received a commission of a vessel at the age of nineteen years. Afterwards he was captain of the ship "Trumbull" in the United States Navy for twenty years. Under him, as lieutenant, was his brother, Charles, and his brother George and cousin Jonathan Bulkeley were midshipmen. Afterwards he served in Buenos Ayres and in Chili. He died and was buried in Rio Janeiro in July 1842.

Patience Jewett , age 81Daughters at home include Sarah, 48; Martha, 43(widow)

A resident of Wilkes-Barre fifteen years and widow of Dr. David Hibbard Jewett, Patience Jewett died in early February 1830. Surviving were her daughters Sarah and Martha with whom she lived, daughter Elizabeth, wife of Phineas Waller, daughter Nancy, wife of Oristus Collins, and son David who was away with the U. S. Navy.

Her son Capt. Charles Jewett formerly of the U. S. Navy had died in February 1825 at age 45. He had been "afflicted with the asthma for nearly thirty years".

Born Hebron, Connecticut, came to Wilkes-Barre in 1816 from Coventry, Connecticut, where he had been a merchant for many years. In Wilkes-Barre Jones manufactured brooms and other items.

In November 1819 Jones had an accident in which resulted in the loss of a leg which resulted in his nickname "peg Leg" Jones. Jones "was driving a span of horses in a waggon, they took fright and ran" and he "in attempting to jump from the waggon, became entangled in the lines, and was dragged some distance before the horses could be stopped. He was considerably bruised and had one of his legs badly broken".

In December 1824 Jones advertised that he manufactured and sold "Essence of Smoke, to save in the shrinkage of hams, either Pork or Beef, together with the labor and expense attending the usual method which exposes them to damage from flies and insects; one pint and a half will effectually smoke 200 lbs. of meat; after it is well salted the essence may be put into the pickle, which, in 20 or 30 days will be fit for use".

Son Joel Jones was a lawyer at Easton. Son Joseph, ordained a Presbyterian minister in April 1823, was stationed at Philadelphia where he became Pastor of the Sixth Presbyterian Church. Daughter Eliza was married to Dr. Joseph J. B. Wright, M. D., of Kingston. Son Samuel, for a time, taught at the Wilkes-Barre Academy.

Edward Jones(boot and shoemaker)

Edward Jones, boot and shoemaker, "manufactures and keeps constantly on hand An Elegant Assortment of Ladies’, Misses’ and Children’s Boots and Shoes".

Born and raised in Berlin, Albany County, New York, Lathan Jones came to Wilkes-Barre to serve as an assistant to Dr. Mason Crary who was also from Albany.

In 1824 Lathan Jones bought out Dr. Crary's practice when Crary moved to Salem Township.

Dr. Jones' home and office was on the east side of Main Street just south of Union.

John Michael Kienzle, age 61(High Constable, sexton, janitor)

A Wilkes-Barre resident about twenty-four years, Swiss born John Michael Kienzle, lived in comfortable quarters on the river bank in John P. Arndt's former storehouse. Since about 1826 Kienzle was High Constable of the borough, sexton to the Meeting House and janitor of the Wilkes-Barre Academy and other buildings on the Square.

A faithful servant, Kienzle attended to the opening and lighting of the Meeting House, cleaning, bell ringing, grave digging, and tolling the bell for funerals. He rang the bell of the Meeting House on the Square at nine o'clock at night as a notice to merchants to close up and for anyone out to go home and go to bed. He did this without pay and in all kinds of weather and never failed to toll the day of the month after the ringing.

In winter when deep snow would cover the coal ash sidewalks, Kienzle would be up while the town was asleep with a snow plough and have all the snow off by the time the people awoke.

A Wilkes-Barre resident almost thirty years, in 1830 Gilbert Laird had a Boot and Shoemaking Business on Franklin Street. His wife was Charlotte Mattley. In the mid 1820's he opened the first drug store in Wilkes-Barre with Henry Lamb on the north east corner of Franklin and Market Streets but withdrew from the business in the fall of 1826

A resident of Wilkes-Barre ten years, Col. Lamb kept a drug store at the north east corner of Market and Franklin Streets. Lamb's wife was his first cousin Frances Bulkeley, the widow of Francis McShane who originally owned the property and died in 1813. Fanny's brother was storekeeper Jonathan Bulkeley.

Lamb's daughter Lucy Ann died in June 1825, aged five years and ten months. "Bright, early, transient, - she sparkled, was exhaled, and went to Heaven."

In 1825 or '26 Lamb partnered with Gilbert Laird and opened the first drug store in Wilkes-Barre. By September 1826 Lamb became the sole owner after the partnership was dissolved. In 1828 Lamb was Borough Treasurer.

Charles P. Lane, age 23(druggist, physician)

Born England, Charles Peter Lane, a druggist, came to Wilkes-Barre from Hanover Township and in June 1830 announced that "C. P. Lane, Apothecary & Druggist, has opened in Market Street a few doors from the Bridge, nearly opposite to G. M. Hollenback's Store".

Lane was the son of Elizabeth Lane Streater and stepson of Dr. Charles Streater of Hanover Township who had come to the United States from London in 1819, arriving in Baltimore in June. After residing in Baltimore a few years, the Streaters moved to Hanover Township.

By 1837 Lane resided at Dr. Thomas W. Miner's and partnered with him in the druggist business.

Dr. C. P. Lane died at Harrisburg in November 1839, at age 33. "The deceased about 5 weeks since was attacked with hemorage of the lungs, and although surrounded with a large circle of friends by whom he was much respected, and resident in the family of a skilful physician, was very naturally anxious to spend the approaching winter of anticipated illness in the care of his step-father, Dr. Streater, and his mother and sisters, resident in the neighborhood of Baltimore. He consequently started for that place and met his step-father here on Friday last by previous arrangement, to aid and accompany him through the remainder of his journey. Upon arriving here it was the opinion of the physician in attendance that he would never reach home alive. A messenger was consequently sent to the remaining members of the family residing in Maryland, who arrived here on Sunday evening. In a few brief hours he died without a struggle".

Lane's apothecary and drug store was subsequently taken over by his stepfather Dr. Charles Streater.

Augustus C. Laning, age 21(storekeeper)

Born Oswego, New York, Augustus C. Laning, son of John Laning and Mary Ann Hollenback Deshong and grandson of Colonel Matthias Hollenback moved to Wilkes-Barre from Oswego in 1822 making his home with his uncle, George M. Hollenback and worked as a clerk in the Hollenback store. In July 1829 Laning, partnering with Anning Chahoon, opened a store in Kingston. After the partnership dissolved in September 1831, Laning set up in business for himself in Wilkes-Barre on the east side of Public Square.

A new resident of Wilkes-Barre, Joseph Philip LeClerc came from Philadelphia and opened a store at his residence on the north west corner of Franklin and Union Streets. His wife was Elizabeth Cutter, daughter of Ford Cutter of New York City.

Born Philadelphia, Josiah Lewis, a surveyor, came to Kingston in 1805 and only recently moved to Wilkes-Barre.

Lewis' father, Hon. William Lewis, one of the most distinguished Philadelphia lawyers of his day, was a member of Pennsylvania's legislature in 1787 and then the state Constitutional Convention in 1789, the same year he was appointed attorney of the United States for the district of Pennsylvania which was followed with a 1791 appointment as federal judge in the court of the eastern district of Pennsylvania.

A Wilkes-Barre resident twenty-two years, Garrick Mallery, a lawyer and state representative to the Pennsylvania Assembly, was newly married to Catherine Hall of Harrisburg.

Mallery's first wife Sylvina Butler had died in March 1824 at age 31. "About 3 years since, her health was attacked with symptoms, ominous of a decay, but they terminated not in a confirmed consumption, until about four or five months since. She was a communicant of the Presbyterian Church. Her husband has lost one of the best of wives, her children, one of the kindest of mothers".

In 1827 Mallery was elected to the Legislature of Pennsylvania and was reelected in 1828, '29 and '30. In 1831 he was appointed President Judge of the Third Judicial District of Pennsylvania by Governor Wolf, a position he held to his resignation in 1836 when he moved to Philadelphia and resumed the active practice of law.

Mallery's wife Catherine Hall died at Reading in July 1832 leaving a one year old son Garrick. Mallery married for a third time Jennette Otto, daughter of Dr. John D. Otto of Philadelphia in June 1838

Rev. James May, age 24Ellen Bowman, wife, 24(rector)

Born Chester County, James May, son of Robert May and Ruth Potts, came to Wilkes-Barre where in February 1827 he began his term as rector of St. Stephen's Church. Ordained deacon by Bishop White in1826, May was a graduate of Jefferson College and the Virginia Theological Seminary.

In January 1829 the Rev. James May was married to Ellen Bowman, daughter of the late Capt. Samuel and Eleanor Bowman.

In October 1829 "the interesting and very solemn ceremony of ordination, was held in St. Stephen’s Church, in this borough on Sunday last, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Onderdonk; when the Rev. James May was admitted to the holy order of priests".

In October 1836 May received a call to the Rectorship of St. Paul's Church in Philadelphia. Even though he was reluctant to leave Wilkes-Barre, fellow priests encouraged him that his talents were need in Philadelphia. Seeing this as "a clear call to Christ's cause", he left Wilkes-Barre much to the sadness of his parishioners.

William A. Merritt, mid 20'sWife, mid 20's(Hatter)

William Merritt kept a hat store which he opened in September 1828. Merritt moved on sometime after 1832.

Born Wilkes-Barre, John Milroy, a blacksmith and grandson of Jesse Fell, was the son of Fell's daughter Frances and her husband John Milroy, a civil engineer who came Wilkes-Barre in the 1790's and boarded at the Fell home. Milroy was married to Fanny Higgins, daughter of Benjamin Higgins of New Jersey.

Milroy took over blacksmith shop of Ransaler Wells on the south side of South Street when in 1822 Wells along with Abraham Tolles and their families left Wilkes-Barre for Winchester, Franklin Co., Tennessee .

John Milroy, Jr., died in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana in September 1837

Born Wilkes-Barre, Thomas Wright Miner, a physician, was the eldest son of Asher Miner and Mary Wright and grandson of Thomas Wright, Esq. Soon after Thomas' birth in 1804, Asher Miner moved his family to Doylestown, Bucks County where he established the Pennsylvania Correspondent and Farmers' Advertiser.

Thomas Miner returned to Wilkes-Barre to establish his practice and in February 1827 married Lucy, the youngest daughter of Ebenezer Bowman, Esq.

A Wilkes-Barre resident and innkeeper twelve years, Thomas Morgan occupied the former Arndt's inn.

The inn was the headquarters of Miller Horton's mail & passenger stage. In October 1822 it was announced "Wilkesbarre and Northumberland Mail Coach, Via Hanover, Newport, Beach Grove, Berwick, Millersville, Espy Towns, Bloomsburg and Danville. Will leave Morgan's Hotel, Wilkesbarre, every Saturday morning at ten o'clock, and every Wednesday morning at three o'clock, and will arrive at Northumberland every Sunday afternoon, at 4 o'clock, and every Wednesday, at seven in the same evening. Returning will leave William Forsyth's Inn, in Northumberland, every Monday and Thursday morning at nine o'clock, and will arrive at Wilkesbarre every Tuesday and Friday, at noon. The fare through will be four dollars. Way passengers 7 cents per mile - 150 lbs. or baggage equal to a passenger; and all baggage at the risk of the owners. The Owego state will leave Wilkesbarre every Wednesday and Saturday morning at three o'clock".

In May 1826 it was announced "Wilkesbarre & Owego Stage. New Arrangement. This line commenced running three times a week, on the first of December last. The Stage leaves Wilkesbarre on the mornings of Saturday, Tuesday & Thursday, and returns on the evenings of Monday, Wednesday and Friday - offering to the traveller from Philadelphia to the Western parts of the State of New York, a speedy, pleasant and uninterrupted conveyance. Fare to Montrose - $2.50 cents, with a reasonable allowance of Baggage, which must be at the owners risk. The Stage starts from and arrives at the house of O. Porter, where seats may be taken. Thomas Morgan, Wilkesbarre".

In May 1831 Morgan was elected to the Town Council.

Sometime after 1832 Morgan left Wilkes-Barre to take over the Eagle Hotel at Bethlehem where he died in May 1837.

Born Westmeath, Ireland, Nicholas Murray, after being licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Philadelphia in April 1829 he was called to take the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church in Wilkes-Barre, ordained and installed in November 1829.

At the age of twelve Murray had been apprenticed to a merchant. At the end of three years he ran away and went home. In 1818 he sailed for America to seek his fortune. Landing in New York he found employment for a short time in the printing-house of the Harper Brothers. Becoming a Protestant he was determined to study for the ministry. For some time he continued his clerkship, giving his leisure time to his books but in the fall of 1821 he gave up business and devoted himself to study. The succeeding nine months were spent at Amherst Academy after which he passed the full course at Williams College and was graduated with honor in 1826. He then entered the Theological Seminary at Princeton.

In January 1829 Murray married Eliza Rhees, daughter of Morgan John Rhees whom he had been engaged to for nearly three years.

Murray left Wilkes-Barre in the summer of 1833 when was installed as Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Elizabethtown, New Jersey.

William B. Norton, age 22(Leather Storekeeper)

Born Pennsylvania, William Bentley Norton, son of William and Elizabeth Norton, in 1826 - '27 worked at the tannery of William L. Bowman. In June 1829 William B. Norton opened his "Wholesale and Retail Leather Establishment". For sale were such items as "a quantity of Harness Leather on hand, which he will sell for 23 cents per pound", "300 Sides of Upper Leather", "from Philadelphia fresh supplies of every kind of Finished, as well as Sole Leather" and Tanner's Oil - cheap by the barrel or less quantity".

Isaac S. Osterhout, age 23(storekeeper)

Born La Grange, south of Tunkhannock, Isaac Smith Osterhout, son of Isaac Osterhout and Susanna Smith and grandson of Dr. William Hooker Smith, and a nephew of Napthali and Olive Smith Hurlbut of Kingston, in late 1830 partnered with his first cousin Whitney Smith in a store located on the west side of Main Street at the south west corner of Public Square. Whitney Smith's previous partner Zurah Smith had died in November 1830.

Isaac Osterhout's father was a prominent merchant with stores in La Grange and Tunkhannock and in early days had conducted a successful business transporting lumber and other merchandise down the Susquehanna River to Wilkes-Barre.

In 1818, at age 12, Isaac Osterhaut, boarding with the Hurlbut's, was enrolled at the Kingston Academy. In 1823 Osterhaut obtained a clerical position at Dennison, McCoy, and Davenport's store on Bank Street in Wilkes-Barre. After about a year he returned to Tunkhannock to work for Beach Tuttle for a short period. Having a good reputation among the merchants of Wilkes-Barre, George M. Hollenback, Esq., recommended him for a position with Tuttle and Covell in Elmira, a position he held from 1824 until February 1830 when he returned to Kingston to work for merchants Gaylord and Reynolds, a position he held until he had the opportunity to partner with his cousin Whitney Smith after the death of Zura Smith in November 1830.

Anna Overton, age 47Children include Mary, 15; Ann, 14(widow)

Born Anna Maria Hodkinson in Honduras, Anna M. Overton was the widow of Thomas B. Overton, Esq., a lawyer who died soon after moving his family from Wilkes-Barre to Mobile, Alabama, in 1820. She came to the United States in 1791 at the age of eight years to be educated but never returned home.

For a short period Anna Overton partnered with Nancy Drake in the ownership of a millinery shop.

A resident of Kingston and Wilkes-Barre about eighteen years, Archippus Parrish kept the White Horse Inn on the east side of Public Square.

In March1824 Parrish moved to Dundaff in Susquehanna County and took charge of the Dundaff Hotel for Gould Phinney, his Public Square inn taken over by Oliver Helme. After four years he returned to Wilkes-Barre taking charge of a hotel on Bank Street until early 1829 when he relocated to the White Swan on the Square .

On the night of February 26, 1830, the White swan took fire and burned down. "The sleighing was fine on that day and there was to be a Washington's birthday ball at night. Bright fires had been kindled to warm up some of the upper rooms for the comfort of expected guests during the early evening when at 9 o'clock a cry of fire was heard on Public Square and flames were seen shooting up through the shingles of the roof and in half an hour the old hostelry was reduced to ashes ".

Following the fire Parrish and family lived in the old court house for a few weeks and then moved to Benjamin Drake's house on the east side of Main Street near the Square and opened a hotel.

Born Kingston, Henry Pettibone studied law with Garrick Mallery and was admitted to the bar in August 1825. In September 1828, Pettibone, in connection with Henry Hold, established The Republican Farmer newpaper.Son of Oliver Pettibone and Martha Payne of Kingston, in January 1826 Pettibone was married to Elizabeth Sharps, daughter of John Sharps of Kingston.

Born Waterbury, New Haven, Connecticut, Maj. Orlando Porter came to Wilkes-Barre from Berwick in 1824 and kept the inn and tavern on Bank Street that for many years occupied by John P. Arndt and Thomas H. Morgan. At Berwick Porter had been publisher of the newspaper The Independent American.

Porter's hotel and the Green on the river bank nearby was a popular meeting place for military and other organizations, including the citizen volunteers in May 1824: " Attention! You will meet, in parade order, on Monday, the 24th inst. at 10 o'clock A. M. on the green, opposite Mr. Porter's Hotel, in complete uniform, for inspection. Particular attendance is requested, as the Company is to be organized on that day. By order of D. S. Barnum, Capt. Commandant, J. P. Dennis".

In April 1825 Porter's inn was offered "To Rent. Tavern Stand, with about three acres of land on Bank Street in borough of Wilkesbarre, now occupied as a Public house by Orlando Porter" and Porter announced a "New Tavern and State House" and " respectfully informs his Friends and the public that he has removed from the old stand formerly occupied by Thomas Morgan and others, to the House lately occupied by George Chahoon, opposite the Ferry at the Piers of the Bridge".

One year later in March 1826 Porter returned to his former location and announced "that he has given up his late Tavern Stand near the bridge across the Susquehanna River, in the borough of Wilkesbarre, and returned to the Old Stand, One Square below the same street, which was formerly kept by John P. Arndt, Thomas H. Morgan, and others, as a House of Entertainment. Having lately fitted up the House and Stabling, so as to make it convenient and pleasant for those who may feel disposed to visit their Valley for health or pleasure - the Subscriber, in the line of his business, would be grateful for a portion of their patronage".

In May 1826 Thomas Morgan advertised "Wilkesbarre & Owego Stage. New Arrangement. This line commenced running three times a week, on the first of December last. The Stage leaves Wilkesbarre on the mornings of Saturday, Tuesday & Thursday, and returns on the evenings of Monday, Wednesday and Friday - offering to the traveller from Philadelphia to the Western parts of the State of New York, a speedy, pleasant and uninterrupted conveyance. Fare to Montrose - $2.50 cents, with a reasonable allowance of Baggage, which must be at the owners risk. The Stage starts from and arrives at the house of Orlando Porter, where seats may be taken".

A Sherriff's Sale took place in January 1828 that included the "property now occupied as a Public House by Maj. Orlando Porter and known by the name of the Phoenix Hotel". However, Porter's remained a popular meeting place thereafter.

On July 3 1830 "the citizens of Wilkes-Barre agreeably interested in witnessing the ascension of a Balloon. It was started from the hotel of Orlando Porter, in Wilkes-Barre Borough in an easterly direction, rapidly in the air" and a "Celebration on the anniversary of Independence, was celebrated on the 3rd inst. Toasts were given by Capt. Conyngham. Paraded about 11 o'clock and after going through various evolutions, were dismissed to partake of a dinner prepared by Maj. Orlando Porter".

In the fall of 1831 Porter gave up his own establishment and took charge of the new Phoenix Hotel built and owned by George M. Hollenback, located near the Bridge on George Chahoon's former property which was just south of Hollenback's store and residence on Bank Street.

Maj. Orlando Porter died January 1, 1836, age 48 and in February 1837 his widow Olivia Porter married Benjamin Reynolds, Esq. of Plymouth. The Phoenix Hotel was soon taken over by Hollenback's nephew Capt. William H. Alexander.

Francis Rainow came to Wilkes-Barre when he married Jacob Eley's daughter Elizabeth in April 1810.

Thomas W. Robinson, age 28Martha Todd, wife, mid 20's(laborer)

Born Yorkshire, England, Thomas Robinson came to Wilkes-Barre in 1828, obtaining employment at Hollenback's store where his duties were attending the store and driving a team for carting flour from the stone mill to Carbondale.

A Wilkes-Barre resident sixteen years, John Robinson, husband of Ann Butler, daughter of the late Colonel Zebulon Butler and Phebe Haight and half brother to Gen. Lord Butler, first partnered with John P. Arndt and then with Stephen C. King in a general merchandise businesses.

Robinson then partnered with Stephen C. King and, for a period, had stores at both Sheshequin and Wilkes-Barre. The Wilkes-Barre store was located on Bank Street on the Butler property near Northampton.

In November 1813 the co-partnership of Robinson & King was dissolved with Stephen C. King continuing with the business.

In May 1812 Robinson was elected to the town council.

In May 1818 , Robinson was appointed postmaster at the newly established post office at Springville Township, Susquehanna County.

In May 1826 Robinson was again elected to the town council.

William Ross, age 69(farmer, landowner, Justice of Peace)

A resident of Wilkes-Barre fifty-six years, William Ross farmed a great deal of land on the east side of South Main street.

William S. Ross, age 28Ruth Slocum, wife, 25(associate judge, former town council member)

Born Wilkes-Barre, William Sterling Ross was the son of General William Ross and Elizabeth Sterling. In December 1825 Ross married Ruth Tripp Slocum, daughter of Joseph Slocum and Sarah Fell and granddaughter of Jesse Fell.

Ross was Captain and then Major of a Company of Citizen Volunteers and in May 1827 was elected to Town Council

In May 1828 William S. Ross was appointed by the governor to be Associated Judge of the Courts of Luzerne County, filling the vacancy occasioned by the death of the late Judge Hollenback.

Jacob Rudolph, a hatter, came to Wilkes-Barre sometime after February 1823 when his house in Hanover Township burned. Rudolph's hatter shop was on Bank Street. His wife was Jerusha Preston, daughter of Darius Preston and Naomi Hibbard of Hanover Township.

The Rudolph's moved West sometime after 1838, eventually settling in St. Louis.

A Wilkes-Barre resident twenty-three years, David Scott was president judge of the Eleventh judicial district. He had been commissioned by Governor Findlay on July 1818 to succeed Judge Burnside and held his first court at Wilkes-Barre in August 1818. Scott's wife was Catharine Hancock, daughter of innkeeper Jonathan Hancock whom he married in September 1811. Their home was located on the east side of Public Square near the Market Street corner.

In 1819 Scott was elected a member of the board of trustees of the Wilkes-Barre Academy and in 1819 was president of the Luzerne County Bible Society and had also been president of the Luzerne County Temperance Society. Scott had been a founder of the St. Stephen's Protestant Episcopal Church and had instituted in his office the first Sunday school organized in northeastern Pennsylvania.

From May 1824 until May 1827 Judge Scott was Burgess of the Borough of Wilkes-Barre and in May 1825 Scott was appointed by the Governor to the Board of Canal Commissioners.

Born Langham, Rutlandshire, England, Richard Sharpe brought his family from England to Wilkes-Barre in the 1827. Sarah Adcock's was Sharpe's second wife whom he married in 1826. Richard Sharpe's first wife was Mary Ann Swingler who died in 1822, age 34.

Born Kingston, Charles D. Shoemaker, eldest son of Elijah Shoemaker and Elizabeth Sill Denison, in August 1830 was commissioned by the Governor one of the Associate Judges of Luzerne County, in the place of Jesse Fell, Esq.

A Yale College graduate of 1824, from February 1824 until April 1828, Charles Shoemaker was Prothonotary and Clerk of the Courts of Luzerne County. From April 1828 until August 1830, he was Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds of Luzerne County. He had also been on Wilkes-Narre's town council.

Shoemaker's wife was Mary Denison, daughter of Austin Denison and Martha Dwight of New Haven, Connecticut.

Irish-born Quakers, Jacob Sinton and his brother Joseph had kept a general merchandise store at Wilkes-Barre for twenty-six years, except for their short-lived move to Cattaraugus in Erie County, New York, ten years earlier. Sinton's store was located at the south west corner of Franklin and Market Streets, with their home nearby.

A resident of Wilkes-Barre fifty-three years, Joseph Slocum was the infant brother of Frances Slocum who was captured by the Indians.

Slocum and his family lived in a three and a-half story brick residence on the south side of Public Square with his blacksmith shop nearby.

Sarah Fell Slocum died in February 1823, age 42. "She was well and cheerful on Friday evening; and before eleven o'clock on Tuesday she was a corpse! "Slocum was Tax Collector for 1824.

In November 1824, Slocum's daughter Hannah, age 25, was married to Ziba Bennett, formerly of Newtown, N. Y. In December 1825, his daughter Ruth, age 20, was married to William S. Ross and in January 1827 daughter Deborah, age 20, was married to Anning O. Chahoon, of Kingston.

Joseph Slocum served as a member and treasurer of the Wilkes-Barre Academy and was on its Board of Trustees. He was a member of the Town Council of the borough of Wilkes-Barre in 1829 and 1830.

Zurah Smith, age 31Whitney Smith, age 26(storekeepers)

Born Wilkes-Barre, brothers Zurah and Whitney Smith, sons of Jonathan Smith and grandsons of Dr. William Hooker Smith, were first cousins of Isaac Osterhout and nephews of Napthali and Olive Smith Hurlbut of Kingston. In 1830 the Smith brothers partnered to open a store located on the west side of Main Street at the south west corner of Public Square.

In June 1830 Zurah and Whitney Smith announced "Cash Store - The Subscribers Inform their friends and the public that they have entered into Co-Partnership, under the firm of Z. and W. Smith, And they have just opened their New Store, South West Corner of Centre Square and Main street, (below the Meeting House,) In the Borough of Wilkes-Barre, A Choice Selection of Seasonable Goods, Comprising all the variety of Country Stores, which they will sell at the most reduced prices for Cash, good Notes, and Country Produce at cash price".

After Zurah Smith died in November 1830, Whitney Smith partnered with his first cousin Isaac Osterhout.

In 1820 Zurah Smith was a representative of John Stoddard of Stoddardsville offering "For Sale, by single bushel or otherwise, Rye, Corn and Oats, at the most reduced price for cash. For the assignees of John Stoddard".

In January 1828 Zurah Smith was appointed treasurer of Luzerne County and in October 1829 was appointed deputy coroner.

Prior to opening a store with brother Whitney in 1830, Zurah Smith dealt in leather and in September 1829 announced he " has just returned from Philadelphia with a General Assortment of Leather consisting of 400 sides superior Sole, and every variety of Finished Leather and Morocco".

The partnership between Whitney Smith and Isaac Osterhout dissolved in 1834 when Whitney Smith married Mary Ann Thomas, the daughter of General Samuel Thomas of Kingston, a contractor on the canal, and in 1835 moved to Stark County, Illinois, where Samuel Thomas established the village of Wyoming near the Spoon River. Samuel Thomas's wife was Marcia Pettibone, daughter of Oliver Pettibone of Kingston.

Born Allyngford, Herefordshire, England, Edmond Taylor, son of John Taylor, came from England with his family in 1818. Learning the saddle making trade from his brother Arnold Taylor at Kingston, Edmond Taylor came to Wilkes-Barre in 1828 after his brother's death and in January 1829 married Mary Wilson, daughter of Elnathan Wilson, and kept a "Saddle & Harness Manufactory, On the West side of the Public Square, near the Meeting House".

A Wilkes-Barre resident about twenty-seven years, Conrad Teeter in 1810 contracted with the government to carry the mail once a week in stages from Sunbury to Painted Post, by the way of Wilkes-Barre, Wyalusing, and Athens. When he had passengers he took his stage and team. Otherwise he went on horseback or with a one horse wagon when the mail was small or the passengers few.

In April 1815 Teeter advertised "New Line of Stages from Wilkesbarre to Painted Post, NY. The subscriber respectfully informs the Public, that he now runs a stage once a week from Wilkesbarre to Tioga Point, Newtown and Painted Post. (Up to 12 passengers)".

A Wilkes-Barre resident about twenty-two years, Edwin Tracy, brother to Sidney Tracy and the late Peleg Tracy, was a saddler and harness maker. Tracy's wife was Deborah Fell, daughter of Jesse Fell and Hannah Welding.

Hannah Tracy, age 57Children include Martha, 24; Mary Ann, 20(widow)

Born Norwich, Connecticut, Hannah Leffingwell, widow of Peleg Tracy, was a Wilkes-Barre resident about twenty-sixteen years and resided on Bank Street, just north of Centre Street. Peleg Tracy had died in March 1825, "a worthy and respectable citizen", at age 59.

Daughter of Daniel Leffingwell and Elizabeth Whiting, Hannah Leffingwell Tracy was a sister to Betsey Leffingwell who married Joseph Chapman, Jr., a brother to Lydia Trott, Elizabeth Haines and the late Isaac A. Chapman, all of Wilkes-Barre.

Hannah Tracy's oldest daughter Betsey, wife of Patrick Hepburn, was living in Montrose; daughter Maria (Hannah), wife of Samuel Bettle still lived in Wilkes-Barre and son Daniel who married Matilda Kendall, daughter of Rev. Caleb Kendall, had moved to upstate New York in the general vicinity of Ithaca with the Kendall family.

In September 1830 son Charles married Sarah Blakesley at Montrose. Son Vernet, a coach maker of Wilkes-Barre later moved his family West to Peoria County, Illinois.

A life-long resident of Wilkes-Barre, Vernet Tracy, son of Peleg Tracy and Hannah Leffingwell, was a coach maker, who, since about 1827, in partnership with George C. Drake, kept a coach maker and blacksmith shop on Franklin Street. In January 1830 Tracy & Drake "moved their Coach and Waggon making establishment and Blacksmith Shop to the new buildings on Main street, opposite Ziba Bennett's Store".

Vernet Tracy in November 1825 married Mary Ann Dilley, daughter of Jonathan Dilley and Polly Burritt of Hanover Township.

Tracy and his family moved West to Peoria County, Illinois, and then on to Muscatine, Iowa Territory.

Lydia Trott, age 54Children include Sarah, 10(widow, teacher)

Lydia Chapman Trott was the widow of Dr. George W. Trott who died in May 1815 at age 37 and a sister of surveyor Isaac A. Chapman who died in December 1827 at died at Mauch Chunk where he had been for some time employed by the Lehigh Company as an engineer.

Lydia Trott and her sister-in-law Rebecca Chapman, Isaac Chapman's widow, in March 1828 announced the opening of the "Wyoming Seminary - A Select School" "where Young Ladies will be instructed in those branches of Science, taught in our most approved Seminaries, together with the more fanciful female accomplishments, comprising Needle-work, Plain and Ornamental Drawing, Music, etc. etc. Terms of Tuition will be from $2 to $5 per quarter. Board, $1.50 per week. Music will form an extra charge ".

Born Bozrah, New London, Connecticut, Ann Brown Vernet, daughter of Jesse Brown and Anne Rudd, was the widow of French-born John Vernet who died in 1827 at Port au Prince, Haiti. The Vernets came to Luzerne County from Connecticut with Jesse Brown's family prior to 1820.

Born New London, Connecticut, Elnathan Wilson came to Forty Fort from Stroudsburg about 1792 where he was part owner and sometimes captain of a Durham boat used to convey goods along the river. Wilson didn't move to Wilkes-Barre until about 1827 when he took charge of the toll bridge.

In May 1797 Wilson married fifteen year old Elizabeth Baker, daughter of Stephen Baker of Forty Fort. Stephen Baker and his wife had been members of the first Methodist class in Wyoming at Ross Hill. Mrs. Baker was killed by lightning while sitting in her house on the side of her bed. Elizabeth Baker's sister Polly was the wife of George Chahoon.

In 1811 Wilson leased the old ferry house on the Kingston side of the river opposite Northampton Street until about 1813 when he gave up the ferry and built a store house and dwelling in Kingston. After 1815 he gave up the store and built a large hotel in Kingston which he kept until he moved to the Wilkes-Barre bridge house by 1827. Wilson was appointed toll collector on May 1, 1826.

In February 1825 son Stephen Wilson married Frances Thomas of Kingston and in February 1828 daughter Esther married Christopher H. Baker, a bookbinder who had recently moved to Wilkes-Barre from Princeton, New Jersey. In December 1828 daughter Mary married Edmund Taylor, a harness and saddle maker.

Elnathan Wilson died in March1837, age 24. His wife Elizabeth Baker was died October 1840, age 57.

Samuel Wright , mid 40's(baker, brewer, eating house)

From New Jersey, Sam Wright, also known as Black Sam and said to be 4 feet 6 inches in height and 9 feet in circumference , came to Wilkes-Barre and, being "proficient in the art of cookery", in 1822 opened an oyster saloon for the accommodation of the lovers of the bivalve. "Here good bread was baked and sold, and ginger cakes besides, together with mince pies, and tarts of a most delicious flavor and taste. Here mead, the best of mead, with its sparkling spray and foam, could be obtained. Ladies and gentlemen assembled here to partake of the delicacies which Sam's rare skill prepared".

In June 1827 it was announced "Samuel Wright, Baker & Brewer, has opened his house on Bank Street, second door above the Philadelphia Bank" and in April 1830 opened a "Victualling House And Confectionary" in "the cellar, under the Tavern of C. L. Terwillager (formerly kept by Thomas Hutchins) Wilkes-Barre Borough, where he keeps for the accommodation of those who may call on him, Strong & Small Beer, and the necessary ingredients to making Lemonade, & Ice Cream: Crackers, Pies, Victuals, of various kinds and a variety of articles in the Confectionary line. He also intends keeping during the Summer, Pickled Oysters and during the Fall and Winter, Fresh Oysters, Bread and Cake will be furnished as usual. Ladies who may feel disposed to patronise the subscriber, and regale themselves of a warm evening on a bottle of pleasant Beer, etc., can find good accommodations at his residence on Bank Street".

"Sam Wright, by day and by night,Will serve up fine oysters you know;I have 'era on hand, and more at command.On the square and at Porter's below.If you call for a heart, or even a tart,I'll furnish them both if you please;Mince pies I have too, or plum pudding in lieu,As well as dried beef and good cheese."

Phoebe Young , age 80Children include Sarah, 42(widow)

A resident of Wyoming sixty-two years, Phebe Poyner Young, affectionately known as Aunt Young, was the widow of Capt. Lazarus Stewart's cousin Robert Young and daughter of Eunice Sprague, said to be the area's first woman to practice medicine.

Affectionately known as Aunt Young, Phebe lived in a small, one-story frame house on the east side of Back Street, a short distance south of Union Street. She was thought of as resource for first-hand accounts of early Wyoming history and thrilled young children of stories how she used to listen to the cry of wild cats and wolves in the swamp in front of her place.

Phoebe Young died in July 1839 aged 89 years. At the time she was the oldest resident of this Borough and one of the last who had escaped massacre of the inhabitants of the Valley by the Indians. "She retained her intelligence which was at all times remarkable until a very short period previous to her death. Few persons ever enjoyed more universally the respect of the community in which they resided, few possessed more Christian like and Womanly virtues or had during so long a life fewer enemies".

In addition to her daughter Sarah, Phebe Young had a son Peter Young who lived with his family in Plymouth Township.

2 comments:

This is very fascinating, thanks so much for sharing this! I have lived in the city of Wilkes-Barre for most of my life and I don't think there are better cities out there. I have always known that JJ Murphy, the city manager, has been doing a fine job, and I will continue to live here for may years to come.

Lawyers
James W. Bowman, age 30
Chester Butler, age 32
Oristus Collins, age 38
John N. Conyngham, age 32
Thomas Dyer, Jr., age 57
George C. Drake, age 24
George Denison, age 40
Garrick Mallery, age 46
Henry Pettibone, age 27
David Scott, age 48
Rosewell Welles, Esq., age 69